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Tipping is often a controversial subject that divides people into groups.
On one hand, there are those who think that the tip should be based on theemployeesquality of service.
Meanwhile, the other group believes tips are owed to the workers regardless of their efforts.
No matter where you stand on the debate, thisstorymight change your mind.
Thats whyBored PandacontactedStephen Zagor, a consultant and educator who focuses on restaurants and the food business.
He has extensive knowledge of the culinary industry and specializes in the business side of food enterprises.
We askedStephenwhy so many restaurant workers depend on tips to supplement their income.
In reality, most tipped servers make more; some with expensive checks, much more, he added.
He said that tipping is first and foremost an emotional evaluation and expression of the total dining experience.
Usually we understand the implied rulesleave a tip because the server/staff counts on that as part of their pay.
The magic 20% is often our baseline of how much to leave.
Its sometimes difficult to separate the server from the whole experience.
How to evaluate the bad behavior is really subjective.
A fine dining expensive meal will have less room for error.
Best to opt on the side of empathy.
The worker had messed up the order, not checked on the table, and even mingled with otherfriends.
I always recommend taking the high road of graciousness.
However, I wasnt there, so the situation is unknown.
There is a good reason doctors may not treat good friendsemotion can cloud judgment, he added.
The OP also told commenters that their friends were divided over the situation.
Thats why the post got 29k upvotes and sparked a debate about the obligation of leaving a tip.
Its definitely some food for thought.
Do you think the author was justified in leaving a 10% tip?
Let us know whose side youre taking in this story.
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